Updated Rider News masthead

"April 2025"

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22

Earth Day

Earth Day marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement that began in 1970. There are many ways to celebrate, but we encourage you to ride the bus, ride your bicycle, carpool, vanpool, or walk instead of driving.

By driving less, you’ll reduce your energy use, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Intercity Transit is committed to being a leading public steward in environmental and sustainability practices.

Our most impactful changes to date involve the transition to lower carbon fuels and the implementation of low or zero-emission vehicles. Today, we operate hybrid vehicles, propane Dial-A-Lift vehicles, battery electric staff cars, and have converted all diesel fuel to renewable diesel.

Later this year, we expect delivery of our first fuel-cell electric fixed route buses. We are also anticipating grant awards for battery-electric vehicles and charging stations for both bus and paratransit services. If awarded, we anticipate seeing these buses between 2026 and 2028.

*Earth Day Activities*

If you’re looking for ways to get involved, join us on April 19 at *Woodland Creek Community Park [ [link removed] ]* for a fun and family-friendly event! We are partnering with Thurston County for an Earth Day event focused around recycling and waste reduction. Stop by our booth from 1 to 4 p.m. to tour a bus and learn about how Intercity Transit is committed to sustainable practices. To learn more about our commitments to sustainability, visit *intercitytransit.com/agency/sustainability [ [link removed] ]*.



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NaviLens Pilot Aims to Improve Accessibility at Transit Centers

We will soon launch a pilot program that will integrate NaviLens technology at the Olympia and Lacey Transit Centers. NaviLens provides wayfinding and information to riders who are blind or have low-vision to help them navigate to a bus bay or bus stop, receive real-time next bus arrival information, and get directions to the bus when it arrives using their smart phone (Android or iOS) and the NaviLens apps.

NaviLens uses high-contrast, color-coded QR style codes that can be scanned from up to 60 feet away using a smartphone app. Unlike traditional QR codes, Navilens codes don’t require precise alignment or focus, allowing users to receive audio guidance about their surroundings, transit schedules, and other essential information. The technology provides information in 34 languages, so it will also help non-English speakers navigate transit.

Riders can download the free NaviLens app on their smartphones to interact with the codes, receive spoken directions, departure times, and other helpful transit information in multiple languages.

There are two apps available to help our customers:


* The NaviLens app helps blind and visually impaired users by allowing them to scan codes without needing to know their exact location. It provides the same information as traditional signage through audio and haptic feedback, helping guide users to their destinations.
* The NaviLens GO app provides sighted users with trip planning information, arrivals and service status information to help navigate the transit centers and the system.

Look for more information as we get closer to launching the pilot.

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May 2025 Service Change

May 2025 Service Change

Starting Sunday, May 4, 2025, we will be adding trips to keep buses moving and get you where you need to go.

*Later Service:*


* *Route 64* - Two additional round trips leaving the Olympia Transit Center (OTC) at 8:15 and 9:15 p.m.
* *Route 67* - Three additional round trips leaving the Lacey Transit Center (LTC) at 7:15, 8:15 and 9:15 p.m.
* *Route 94* - One additional round trip leaving OTC at 8:45 p.m.

*Schedule Changes:*


* *Route 12* - Inbound times will be three to four minutes earlier.
* *Route 64* - Weekday inbound 7:48 p.m. trip moved eight minutes earlier to leave Amtrak station at 7:40 p.m.
* *Route 94* - Weekend inbound 7:34 p.m. trip will leave Yelm Walmart at 7:29 p.m.
* *Route 620* - Northbound 7:50 a.m. trip moved eight minutes earlier, now leaving OTC at 7:42 a.m. on weekday trips.

The new schedules are available at *intercitytransit.com/servicechanges* [ [link removed] ]. Starting Sunday, May 4, schedules will be available at *intercitytransit.com/plan-your-trip/routes* [ [link removed] ].



Spring into Cycling with the Bicycle Community Challenge

BCC Spring Events

Warmer weather is on the way, which means it’s time to tune up your bicycle and get outside! Take part in Intercity Transit’s Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC) for one or all of our upcoming spring events.

*Earth Day Market Ride*

Come meet your neighbors for a Saturday bike ride into town on April 19! Rides will start in several different neighborhoods then meet downtown at the Heritage Park Fountain. The group will then ride to the Olympia Farmers Market after a prize drawing and refreshments.

*Annual Bicycle Community Challenge*

Intercity Transit’s Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC) is a fun, free community event that encourages people in Thurston County to try cycling for transportation, health, and well-being. The BCC makes biking fun with prizes and community spirit. You can ride on your own or join a team for even more fun and camaraderie. So get outside, log your rides, and win prizes this May!

*Bike to Work Day*

Join fellow bicyclists on Thursday, May 15 for our local celebration of National Bike to Work Day! This event promotes bicycling as a healthy option for getting to work or just getting ready for your day. Rides will start in six different locations with Bike Refresher Stations along the way providing treats, bike swag, and coffee.

All BCC events are family-friendly and open to any level of experience, whether you’re an experienced roadie or more casual bike rider. For additional information and to log your rides, visit *bcc.intercitytransit.com* [ [link removed] ].



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Stress-Free Travel: Olympia to SeaTac by Bus

Need a ride from Olympia to Seattle-Tacoma Airport? With spring break and summer travel coming up, getting there by public transit might be easier than you think. Starting at the Olympia Transit Center (OTC), take Route 620 to the SR-512 Park & Ride in Lakewood. Head to Zone F and catch Sound Transit’s Route 574, which will take you all the way to SeaTac Station. To get back to OTC, start at Bay 2 at the Seatac Airport Terminal. Take Route 574 back to the SR-512 Park & Ride and head to Zone H to take Route 620 back to Olympia. The Sound Transit portion of your trip will cost $6. For information on how to pay Sound Transit fares, visit *soundtransit.org [ [link removed] ]*.






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